Campbell County Man Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Campbell County man is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with falsely reporting his income and resources in order to obtain benefits through the state’s healthcare insurance program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Leonard Rodney Hembree, 58, of LaFollette. He is charged in an indictment with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000.

“It’s simple - if you lie, cheat or steal to get TennCare benefits, we will come after you,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “People who commit TennCare fraud are taking something they’re not entitled to, and they’re taking it from all the taxpayers of Tennessee.”

District Attorney General Jared Effler is prosecuting. As of July 1, 2016, TennCare fraud was changed to a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,723 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”